ReviewExercise and longevity
Introduction
Aging is a natural and complex physiological complex process influenced by many factors that can be broadly classified as intrinsic (related to genetic factors), extrinsic (related to psychosocial and environmental factors) and related to the effects of disease [1], [2]. Biologically, the nature of this phenomenon and the mechanisms involved remain unknown. While no intervention has been shown to increase overall longevity, certain ones have been shown to influence the aging process. Among these, physical activity (PA) is fundamental, in addition to a healthy diet and psychosocial well-being. After briefly reviewing the various profiles of aging, we will review the reported effects of exercise, and then sum up the latest recommendations.
Section snippets
Profiles of aging
Three types of aging can be discerned [3] and help to understand the effects of exercise on longevity and life expectancy, especially in subjects without disability.
Definition of exercise
Physical activity is defined as “any situation employing the skeletal muscles, whatever the aim, accompanied by an increase in energy expenditure compared with the resting state” [21]. It usually includes both activities of daily living, leisure-time and recreationnal PA, as well as sport, this latter being defined as “a subset of PA, specialized and organized, in the form of exercises and/or competitions, facilitated by sports organizations” [21]. The term “exercise” is more specifically used
Cardioprotective mechanisms
The mortality benefits of exercise appear to be related to multiple cardioprotective mechanisms, including effects on endothelial function, autonomic tone, inflammation and improved risk factor control [21], [35] (Table 1). The final common pathways of risk reduction presumably operate through improved endothelial function leading to plaque passivation thereby reducing the risk of new or recurrent ischemic events, as well as effects on autonomic control of cardiovascular function leading to a
Exercise prescription recommendations
In 2007, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Heart Association published the first physical activity recommendations to improve and maintain health in older subjects [7]. Similar recommendations have since been published by other bodies and organizations [21]. Without specifically addressing the “very elderly”, “frail elderly”, older subjects in nursing homes as well as older subjects with disability or major chronic conditions, global recommendations have been
Conclusion
Exercise can help “add years to life”, and above all, “add life to years”, by partially counteracting the effects of aging on physiological functions and preserving functional reserve in elderly. Numerous studies have shown that maintaining a minimal quantity and quality of exercise decreases the risk of cardiovascular mortality, prevents the development of some cancers, lowers the risk of osteoporosis and increases longevity. Training programs should include aerobic and resistance exercises to
Contributors
All contributed equally to this manuscript.
Competing interests
None.
Provenance and peer review
Commissioned and externally peer reviewed.
Funding Sources
Dr. Gremeaux is funded by the ÉPIC Foundation.
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